Paying for study overseas can be a daunting task: tuition, fees, plane tickets, expenses, food, housing, and all those kitschy souvenirs to buy. But don't decide to stay home just yet. There are plenty of ways to make your travel experience a reality. Some of them are so simple, you'll wonder what you're still doing stateside.

In compliance with Title IV of the Higher Education Act, you'll receive your current federal aid during a study abroad if:

1. Your school approves your program
2. You are a full-time student
3. You will earn credit that applies to your degree

In some cases, those who have Federal Work-Study can continue earning this overseas. Visit your school's financial aid and study abroad offices for information, applications and guidance.

The best financial aid resources are scholarships and grants for an obvious reason: You don't have to pay them back.

• Look for scholarships like the Rotary Foundation's Ambassadorial Scholarship Program, which exists solely for students studying overseas. Your school may also offer scholarships for study abroad students.
• Consider studying in the fall when scholarship money is plentiful. Finaid.org and studentaid.ed.gov are excellent places to find additional grant and scholarship opportunities.

Another option that could help pay for a study abroad program is interning or working while you're away.

• Start by looking for a job through your current university and the one you're planning to attend abroad. Check with your study abroad program administrator and the school you'll be attending for suggestions.
• Check out internabroad.com and Will Work for Travel: Vacations that pay for information about finding work outside the country.

If you are a graduate student, look into the many fellowships and assistantships available

• Fellowships are opportunities to do research or further your studies in your field, in this case, at a university abroad. Check out foundationcenter.org and iie.org for more information about applying for a fellowship in your area of study.
• Assistantships usually involve working for the university as a teacher or in an administrative capacity. Contact the school you want to attend abroad about assistantships they might have available.

If you can't afford to live abroad for a full semester, try a shorter program offered for a summer term, a month, or a couple of weeks. According to vistawide.com, about 9 percent of students who study overseas participate in a program lasting less than two months. Ticket costs may be comparable, but you'll save a bundle on tuition and living expenses.

Work your rear off before you go, and save up! You may have to delay your trip a year or miss going with your friends, but isn't the whole point to meet new people? Ask friends and family to donate to your "travel fund" in lieu of gifts. Trust me. It'll be worth it in the long run.

Sources:

iienetwork.org; studyabroad.com; vistawide.com; bankrate.com; berkeley.edu; cspanys.org